On January 17, 2010, the Church will celebrate the 96th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In his message for this event, Pope Benedict XVI focuses on minor migrants refugees and their special challenges as they grow up in a new society. The Pontiff invites "all Christians to become aware of the social and pastoral challenges posed by migrant and refugee minors."

A new postcard campaign in 2010 will urge Congress to take up as its next priority comprehensive immigration reform that would reunite families, regularize the status of an estimated 12 million people in this country illegally and restore due process protections for immigrants.

The international community is putting pressure on the Pakistani government to “stop discrimination and violence against religious minorities.” The country needs “a culture of interfaith harmony and peace.”

Asian prelates are paying homage to Maryknoll Father Edward Francis Malone, who was instrumental in establishing the federation of Asian episcopal conferences. The priest died last Wednesday at age 84.

In the end, the successful battle to include strict language prohibiting funding for abortions, led by pro-life congressional Democrats with the strong support of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, is what made the difference in the Nov. 7 House vote to pass a sweeping health care reform bill.